Electric motor module with integrated cam switches incorporating a single wiring connection point

ABSTRACT

Provided is an electric motor assembly and method for assembling an electric motor assembly within an appliance. The electric motor assembly eliminates the use of a rigid or flexible circuit board. It also eliminates the need for soldering contacts between the electrical switches, circuit board and motor which can increase the possibility of operational failures. The electric motor assembly further provides a single power point wiring connection between the switch and motor terminals and connector port allowing the motorized device to communicate with an appliance controller. Furthermore, by positioning certain mechanical components for operating electrical switches on the baseplate of the electric motor assembly and eliminating secondary components on adjacent brackets, a reduction in the dimensional tolerance stack-up among the electrical switches can be obtained.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/528,780, filed Jul. 5, 2017, the entirety of which is fullyincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Provided is an electromechanical apparatus for an appliance whicheliminates the need for electronic circuit boards, reduces dimensionaltolerance stack-up, provides a single point power connection and whichdoes not require a secondary linear cam or plunger to activate a switch.

BACKGROUND

Powered appliances, such as cooking ovens, furnaces, and water heaters,washing machines, etc., incorporate motorized mechanisms such asmotorized door latches, motorized gas valves, and other motorizeddevices that communicate and collaborate with the appliance's electroniccontrols. These motorized devices typically have sensing switches thatsense a rotational or linear position of the motorized mechanism. Theseswitches, when actuated, simply communicate open or closed circuits tothe appliance controller. These switches are typically arranged radiallyaround a radial cam that is driven by the motor shaft. Other devicesincorporate a secondary linear cam or plunger that may be actuated by anappliance door or similar actuation method. This secondary cam orplunger actuates an independent switch that also communicates with theappliance controller. Typically, the controller will not proceed withappliance functions until the secondary switch is actuated by theclosing of an appliance door or similar function.

Upon actuation of the switch, these motorized mechanisms signal thecontroller, by opening or closing a circuit, to proceed with theappliance function. As the motor runs, a radial cam on the motor shaftactuates one or more switches in correspondence with the cam'srotational position. Each switch performs a specific sensing functionfor position of the mechanism. The controller reads the open or closedstatus of each circuit and operates the mechanism, and other appliancefunctions, as its programming logic directs.

Due to the radial arrangements of the switches on such mechanisms,wiring connection points are typically physically segregated. Most ofthese systems have two to five segregated wiring connections points forswitches in addition to separate wiring connection points for the motorand the linear cam or plunger actuated switch. Multiple and segregatedwiring connection points can be problematic for manufacturers andin-field service technicians. Two known problems include, but are notlimited to, considerable assembly time and improper connections. Theconsequence of improper connections can result in product failure and/orunsafe product operation, all of which are costly for the manufacturer.

One additional problem of these motorized mechanisms is the stack-up ofdimensional tolerances in the radial and angular positional relationshipof the cam and the switches. This is due to the switches being mountedto adjacent brackets; each of which has independent dimensionaltolerances. As these tolerances combine with each other, the accuracy ofthe sensing function of each switch decreases. Consequently,manufacturers are challenged with producing multiple parts with verysmall tolerances. This too, is costly for the manufacturer.

In recent years, motorized mechanisms have been developed thatincorporate rigid or flexible circuit boards that are directly solderedto the switches and motor. Through a series of circuit paths in thecircuit board, these mechanisms provide a single point wiring connectionfor the motorized device to communicate with the appliance controller.The benefit of such a system is the circuit board fundamentallyprecludes any possibility of improper connection and the single pointwiring connection provides for speedy assembly time. However, circuitboards add cost to the motorized mechanism and add a number of solderconnections in direct proportion to the number of switches. Inherently,as solder connections increase, failure mode possibilities alsoincrease. What is needed for motorized mechanisms is a single pointwiring connection for switches and motor without the complexity, cost,and solder connections of rigid or flexible circuit boards and withoutthe stack up of tolerances in the radial and angular positionalrelationship of the cam and switches.

SUMMARY

Provided is an electric motor assembly. The electric motor assemblyincludes the following components: 1) a motor module housed within amotor housing shell having a front cover, a cylindrical side wall and anopen back side; 2) a motor housing baseplate attached to the open backside of the motor housing shell; 3) a motor shaft which extends throughthe motor housing baseplate and which engages a cam; 4) at least onemicroswitch module which is positioned adjacent to the cam, wherein thecam engages the microswitch at a contact point upon rotation of the camby the motor; 5) microswitch terminals which extend from the microswitchmodule; 6) motor terminals which extend from the motor module throughthe motor housing shell, wherein the microswitch terminals arepositioned adjacent to the motor terminals to provide a single powerpoint connection for connecting sockets of a wiring harness.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the motor shaft engages aradial cam.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the radial cam engages atleast one cam follower switch actuator.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the cam follower switchactuator includes a first projection, wherein the first projectionestablishes a first contact point between the cam follower switchactuator and the radial cam.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the cam follower switchactuator includes a second projection, wherein the second projectionestablishes a second contact point between the cam follower switchactuator and the microswitch.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the cam follower switchactuator includes a first aperture at a first end and a slot at a secondend, wherein the first aperture receives a pivot pin and the slotreceives a guide pin, wherein the pivot pin and the guide pin allow thecam follower switch actuator to rotate upon contact of the firstprojection with the radial cam causing the second projection to contactthe microswitch.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the base plate includes atleast one extension including an aperture therein for receiving afastener.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a plunger microswitch andplunger microswitch terminals are positioned adjacent to the microswitchand motor terminals.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the plunger terminals,microswitch terminals and motor terminals form a single power pointconnection with sockets of a wiring harness.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the electric motorassembly does not include a rigid or flexible circuit board toelectrically connect the switches to the motor module.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the electric motorassembly does not include a secondary cam or plunger on a bracketseparate from the motor housing baseplate.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, radial and angularpositioning of the microswitch with respect to the cam on the baseplatereduces tolerance stack up of the cam and microswitch compared toelectric motor assemblies having a secondary cam or plunger on a bracketseparate from the motor housing baseplate.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the electric motorassembly is connected to a mechanical assembly for an appliance.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the electric motorassembly is connected to a motorized oven latch.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the electric motorassembly is connected to a motorized gas valve.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the electric motorassembly is connected to a motorized flue damper.

Also provided is a method for installing an electric motor assemblywithin an appliance. The method includes the following steps: 1)providing an appliance; 2) providing an electric motor assembly whichincludes: a motor module housed within a motor housing shell having afront cover, a cylindrical side wall and an open back side; a motorhousing baseplate attached to the open back side of the motor housingshell; a motor shaft which extends through the motor housing baseplateand which engages a cam; at least one microswitch module which ispositioned adjacent to the cam, wherein the cam engages the microswitchat a contact point upon rotation of the cam by the motor; microswitchterminals which extend from the microswitch module; and motor terminalswhich extend from the motor module through the motor housing shell,wherein the microswitch terminals are positioned adjacent to the motorterminals to provide a single power point connection for connectingsockets of a wiring harness; 3) providing a mechanical device inoperable association with the electric motor assembly, wherein themechanical device and the electric motor assembly are housed on achassis; 4) inserting the chassis containing component parts of themechanical device and the electrical motor assembly within theappliance; 5) connecting the mechanical device to the appliance byconnecting the chassis to the appliance and the component parts of themechanical device to the appliance; and 6) electrically connecting theelectric motor assembly to the appliance by connecting sockets of anappliance wiring harness to switch terminals and motor terminals withina microswitch-electric motor connector port through a single point powerconnection.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the mechanical deviceutilized within the method is an oven latch, a gas valve, or a fluedamper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings in the following description illustratevarious exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It isunderstood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may derive otherembodiments from these drawings which fall within the scope of thedisclosure set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of one embodiment of an electric motorassembly disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the electric motor assembly shownin FIG. 1 shown in conjunction with an appliance wiring harness;

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of a further embodiment of an electricmotor assembly disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the electric motor assembly shownin FIG. 3 shown in conjunction with an appliance wiring harness;

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an electricmotor assembly and appliance wiring harness attached to a latchingmechanism;

FIGS. 5b through 5d are each a top sectional view illustrating theconnection between the latching mechanism and the electric motorassembly of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 5e is a perspective view of part of a mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an electricmotor assembly and appliance wiring harness attached to a gas valve; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an electricmotor assembly and appliance wiring harness attached to a flue damper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a means to integrate cam actuatedswitches and a single point of wiring connection into an electric motormodule. This module can be incorporated into motorized appliancelatches, motorized gas valves, motorized flue dampers, motorizedrefrigeration baffles, and other motorized mechanisms.

The electric motor assemblies disclosed herein incorporate a synchronousgear motor, which is an AC motor that runs at a very specific speed inrelationship to the frequency of the alternating current, and hasmultiple gears that provide a speed reduction from the motor's armatureshaft to a separate output shaft that protrudes through the baseplate.This output shaft provides a means by which a motorized mechanism isdriven. The outer housing of this synchronous gear motor is constructedof one hollow metal shell and one metal baseplate. It is upon the outerside of this baseplate that component parts are affixed adjacent to camactuated switches in precise proximity to the motor terminals, thusallowing for a single wiring connection of motor and switches withoutthe need of additional circuitry such as a rigid or flexible circuitboard. Further, the baseplate provides for accurate radial and angularpositioning of the switches with respect to the cam, thus reducing thetolerance stack-up associated with other similar mechanisms that affixswitches to adjacent brackets.

Various embodiments of electric motor assemblies are provided in FIGS. 1through 7. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary electric motor assemblyhaving a cam activated switch and a single wiring connection without arigid or flexible circuit board. The electric motor assembly of FIGS. 1and 2 include a synchronous motor module (1) housed within a motorhousing shell (2). In certain embodiments, the housing shell (2) iscylindrically shaped although the housing shell may consist of any sizeor shape that is configured to house the synchronous motor module (1).The cylindrical motor housing shell (1) includes a front cover and aside wall and an open back side into which the motor module (1) may beinserted. A motor housing baseplate (3) is attached to the open backside of the motor housing shell to close the open back side of thehousing shell (2). The motor housing baseplate (3) includes two mountingextensions having an aperture for mounting the electric motor assemblyonto an appliance with any type of suitable fastener such as a screw orbolt. The synchronous motor module (1) includes an armature shaft (notshown) and an output shaft that protrudes through the baseplate (3) androtates a radial cam (4). The radial cam includes an outercircumferential surface which contains at least one projection. Thebaseplate (3) also houses two cam follower/switch actuators (5 a) and (5b) adjacent to the radial cam (4). The cam follower/switch actuators (5a) and (5 b) include a first aperture for receiving a follower pivot pin(9) and a second aperture or slot for receiving a follower guide pin(10). The combination of the pivot pin (9) and the follower guide pin(10) on the cam follower switch actuators (5 a) and (5 b) allow the camfollower switch actuators to rotate in a radial direction. The first andsecond cam follower switch actuators (5 a) and (5 b) also include atleast two projections which form a first contact point and a secondcontact point. The first contact point on the cam follower switchactuator is adjacent to the radial cam (4). Upon activation of thesynchronous motor module (1), the radial cam (4) rotates allowing theprojection on the radial cam (4) to contact the first contact point onthe cam follower switch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b) causing the camfollower switch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b) to rotate. The secondprojection on the cam follower switch actuator (5 a) and (5 b) forms asecond contact point that is designed to contact a switch on amicroswitch module (6 a) and/or (6 b) upon rotation of the cam followerswitch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b). The contact between the cam followerswitch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b) and the microswitch module (6 a)and/or (6 b) is established by positioning the microswitch module (6 a)and/or (6 b) on the motor housing baseplate (3) adjacent to the camfollower switch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b). Moreover, as illustratedwithin FIGS. 1 and 2, the microswitch modules (6 a) and (6 b) arepositioned adjacent to the motor module electrical connection point.This allows a for a single power point connector (12) to be used toprovide an electrical connection to the motor terminals (7) and theswitch terminals (8) on the microswitch modules (6 a) and (6 b). Thissingle point power connection is illustrated within FIG. 2 which showsan appliance wiring harness (11) having wires (13) and connectionsockets for engaging motor terminals (7) and switch terminals (8). Inaddition to the allowing for a single point power connection (12), thepositioning of the microswitch modules (6 a) and (6 b) adjacent to themotor terminals (7) obviates the need for rigid or flexible circuitboard and reduces dimensional tolerance stack up.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a motor assembly similar in configuration tothat shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the exception that a microswitchplunger switch (15) is positioned adjacent microswitch modules (6 a) and(6 b). In certain embodiments, the microswitch plunger switch (15) iselectrically connected to the microswitches (6 a) and (6 b) allowing themicroswitch plunger switch to be activated or deactivated uponactivation or deactivation of microswitches (6 a) and (6 b) by the camfollower switch actuators (5 a) and/or (5 b). FIG. 4 illustrates awiring harness (16) and corresponding electrical wires (18) having asingle point power connector (17). The single point power connectorincludes an additional socket for connecting to the terminals of themicroswitch plunger switch (15). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, thepositioning of the microswitch plunger switch (15) adjacent to themicroswitch modules (6 a) and (6 b) and the motor terminals (7) obviatesthe need for rigid or flexible circuit board and reduces dimensionaltolerance stack up.

FIGS. 5a through 5e illustrate a motor assembly similar in configurationto that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 which is attached to an oven latchmechanical assembly. The motorized oven latch (19) includes a lever (22)having a first end which is connected to an aperture within the radialcam (4) through a connecting link pivot pin (22 b). The radial cam (4)is connected to the motor module (1) through a motor shaft (27) thatprotrudes through the baseplate (3). The motor shaft (27) defines acenter axis B about which it is adapted to rotate. The motor module (1)rotates the radial cam (4) through the motor shaft (27). This allows thelever (22) to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner alongpivot pin (22 b). The second end of the lever (22) is attached to apivot axle (23) which connects the second end of the lever (22) to alatch hook (24). The pivot axle (23) is positioned within a guide slot(26) within a latch bracket (25). This allows the pivot axle (23) totravel linearly in a reciprocating manner within the guide slot (26)upon rotation of the radial cam (4). When operated, the motor module (1)rotates the radial cam (4) through the motor shaft (27) causing thelever (22) to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner throughthe connecting link pivot pin (22 b). This causes the second end of thelever housing the pivot axle (23) to extend or retract in a linearmanner along an axis A within the guide slot (26) causing the latch hookto rotate in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner between aclosed (i.e., locked) or open (i.e., unlocked) configuration forengaging or disengaging an appliance door. In one aspect of the presentteaching, when the latch hook is in an engaged position, the radial cam(4) contacts the first contact point on the cam follower switch actuator(5 a) and/or (5 b) causing the cam follower switch actuator (5 a) and/or(5 b) to rotate so that the second contact point on the cam followerswitch actuator (5 a) and (5 b) contacts a switch on a microswitchmodule (6 a) and/or (6 b). Upon activation of the microswitch module (6a) and/or (6 b), a signal is sent to a controller (not shown), byopening or closing a circuit, to proceed with an appliance function.Appliance functions which may be controlled in such manner include butare not limited to normal operation of the appliance and self-cleaningoperations of the appliance. As shown in FIG. 5, operation of the ovenlatch mechanism with the motor assembly is achieved without the use of arigid or flexible circuit board. This eliminates a number of solderconnections and significantly reduces the number of failure modepossibilities. The configuration also reduces the amount of dimensionaltolerance stack-up as the radial and angular positioning of the switcheswith respect to the cam on the base plate eliminates the need to useadditional mechanisms which require that the switches be affixed toadjacent brackets. The assembly shown in FIG. 5 also provides for asingle point power connection as the motor terminals and microswitchterminals are positioned adjacent to one another.

FIG. 6 illustrates a motor assembly similar in configuration to thatshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 which is attached to a gas valve. The motorizedgas valve (20) is attached to the motor assembly through an output shaftthat extends from the motor module (1), through the radial cam (4) andwhich protrudes through the baseplate (3) to connect to and engage thevalve within the motorized gas valve (20). In one aspect of the presentteaching, the hub of the radial cam (4) through which the output shaftextends through may be centered within the radial cam (4). This allowsthe output shaft to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner toopen or close the valve within the motorized gas valve. In one aspect ofthe present teaching, when the valve is in an open configuration, theradial cam (4) contacts the first contact point on the cam followerswitch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b) causing the cam follower switchactuator (5 a) and/or (5 b) to rotate so that the second contact pointon the cam follower switch actuator (5 a) and (5 b) contacts a switch ona microswitch module (6 a) and/or (6 b). Upon activation of themicroswitch module (6 a) and/or (6 b), a signal is sent to a controller(not shown), by opening or closing a circuit, to proceed with anappliance function (e.g., operation of a gas-powered appliance). Asshown in FIG. 6, operation of the gas valve mechanism with the motorassembly is achieved without the use of a rigid or flexible circuitboard. This eliminates a number of solder connections and significantlyreduces the number of failure mode possibilities. The configuration alsoreduces the amount of dimensional tolerance stack-up as the radial andangular positioning of the switches with respect to the cams on the baseplate eliminates the need to affix the switches on adjacent bracketswhich requires the use of additional mechanisms which increase tolerancestack-up. The assembly shown in FIG. 6 also provides for a single pointpower connection as the motor terminals and microswitch terminals arepositioned adjacent to one another.

FIG. 7 illustrates a motor assembly similar in configuration to thatshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 which is attached to a flue damper. The motorizedflue damper (21) operates in a similar fashion to that of the motorizedgas valve (20) illustrated within FIG. 6. The motorized flue damper (20)is attached to the motor assembly through an output shaft that extendsfrom the motor module (1), through the radial cam (4) and whichprotrudes through the baseplate (3) to connect to and engage the fluedamper. In one aspect of the present teaching, the hub of the radial cam(4) through which the output shaft extends through may be centeredwithin the radial cam (4). This allows the output shaft to rotate in aclockwise or counter-clockwise manner to open or close the flue damper.In one aspect of the present teaching, when the flue damper is in anopen configuration, the radial cam (4) contacts the first contact pointon the cam follower switch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b) causing the camfollower switch actuator (5 a) and/or (5 b) to rotate so that the secondcontact point on the cam follower switch actuator (5 a) and (5 b)contacts a switch on a microswitch module (6 a) and/or (6 b). Uponactivation of the microswitch module (6 a) and/or (6 b), a signal issent to a controller (not shown), by opening or closing a circuit, toproceed with an appliance function. As shown in FIG. 7, operation of themotorized flue damper (21) with the motor assembly is achieved withoutthe use of a rigid or flexible circuit board. This eliminates a numberof solder connections and significantly reduces the number of failuremode possibilities. The configuration also reduces the tolerancestack-up as the radial and angular positioning of the switches withrespect to the cams on the base plate eliminates the need to affix theswitches on adjacent brackets which requires the use of additionalmechanisms which increase tolerance stack-up. The assembly shown in FIG.7 also provides for a single point power connection as the motorterminals and microswitch terminals are positioned adjacent to oneanother.

Provided below is a table which lists the reference numbers andcorresponding component description within each of the embodimentsdescribed within FIGS. 1 through 7.

FIG. 1

-   1—Synchronous Motor Module-   2—Motor Housing Shell-   3—Motor Housing Baseplate-   4—Radial Cam-   5 a—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   5 b—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   6 a—Micro-switch-   6 b—Micro-switch-   7—Motor Terminals-   8—Switch Terminals-   9—Follower Pivot Pin-   10—Follower Guide Pin

FIG. 2

-   1—Synchronous Motor Module-   2—Motor Housing Shell-   3—Motor Housing Baseplate-   5 a—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   5 b—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   6 a—Micro-switch-   6 b—Micro-switch-   7—Motor Terminals-   8—Switch Terminals-   11—Appliance Wiring Harness-   12—Single Point Connector-   13—Wires

FIG. 3

-   1—Synchronous Motor Module-   2—Motor Housing Shell-   3—Motor Housing Baseplate-   4—Radial Cam-   5 a—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   5 b—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   6 a—Micro-switch-   6 b—Micro-switch-   7—Motor Terminals-   8—Switch Terminals-   9—Follower Pivot Pin-   10—Follower Guide Pin-   15—Micro-switch-   16—Switch Terminals

FIG. 4

-   1—Synchronous Motor Module-   2—Motor Housing Shell-   3—Motor Housing Baseplate-   3 b—Motor Housing Baseplate Extension-   5 a—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   5 b—Cam Follower/Switch Actuator-   6 a—Micro-switch-   6 b—Micro-switch-   7—Motor Terminals-   8—Switch Terminals-   14—Micro-switch (Plunger Switch)-   15—Switch Terminals (Plunger Switch)-   16—Appliance Wiring Harness-   17—Single Point Connector with Plunger Switch Connection-   18—Wires

FIGS. 5a through 5e

-   1—Synchronous Motor Module-   11—Appliance Wiring Harness-   19—Motorized Oven Latch-   22—Lever-   22 b—Connecting Link Pivot Pin-   23—Pivot Axle-   24—Latch Hook-   25—Latch Bracket-   26—Guide Slot in Latch Bracket-   27—Motor Shaft

FIG. 6

-   1—Synchronous Motor Module-   11—Appliance Wiring Harness-   20—Motorized Gas Valve

FIG. 7

-   1—Synchronous Motor Module-   11—Appliance Wiring Harness-   21—Motorized Flue Damper

While the electro-mechanical assemblies provided herein have beendescribed in connection with various illustrative embodiments, it is tobe understood that other similar embodiments may be used ormodifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments forperforming the same function disclosed herein without deviatingtherefrom. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in thealternative, as various embodiments may be combined or subtracted toprovide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by onehaving ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit andscope hereof. Therefore, the electromechanical assembly should not belimited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth andscope in accordance with the recitations of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric motor assembly comprising: a motormodule housed within a motor housing shell having a front cover, acylindrical side wall and an open back side; a motor housing baseplateattached to the open back side of the motor housing shell; a motor shaftwhich extends through the motor housing baseplate and which engages acam; at least one microswitch module which is positioned adjacent to thecam, wherein the cam engages the microswitch at a contact point uponrotation of the cam by the motor; microswitch terminals which extendfrom the microswitch module; motor terminals which extend from the motormodule through the motor housing shell; wherein the microswitchterminals are positioned adjacent to the motor terminals to provide asingle power point connection for connecting sockets of a wiringharness.
 2. The electric motor assembly of claim 1, wherein the motorshaft engages a radial cam.
 3. The electric motor assembly of claim 2,wherein the radial cam engages at least one cam follower switchactuator.
 4. The electric motor assembly of claim 3, wherein the camfollower switch actuator comprises a first projection, wherein the firstprojection establishes a first contact point between the cam followerswitch actuator and the radial cam.
 5. The electric motor assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the cam follower switch actuator comprises a secondprojection, wherein the second projection establishes a second contactpoint between the cam follower switch actuator and the microswitch. 6.The electric motor assembly of claim 5, wherein the cam follower switchactuator comprises a first aperture at a first end and a slot at asecond end, wherein the first aperture receives a pivot pin and the slotreceives a guide pin, wherein the pivot pin and the guide pin allow thecam follower switch actuator to rotate upon contact of the firstprojection with the radial cam causing the second projection to contactthe microswitch.
 7. The electric motor assembly of claim 6, wherein thebase plate includes at least one extension including an aperture thereinfor receiving a fastener.
 8. The electric motor assembly of claim 7,further comprising a plunger microswitch and plunger microswitchterminals positioned adjacent to the microswitch and motor terminals. 9.The electric motor assembly of claim 8, wherein the plunger terminals,microswitch terminals and motor terminals form a single power pointconnection with sockets of a wiring harness.
 10. The electric motorassembly of claim 1, wherein the electric motor assembly does notcomprise a rigid or flexible circuit board to electrically connect theswitches to the motor module.
 11. The electric motor assembly of claim1, wherein the electric motor assembly does not comprise a secondary camor plunger on a bracket separate from the motor housing baseplate. 12.The electric motor assembly of claim 11, wherein radial and angularpositioning of the microswitch with respect to the cam on the baseplatereduces tolerance stack up of the cam and microswitch compared toelectric motor assemblies having a secondary cam or plunger on a bracketseparate from the motor housing baseplate.
 13. The electric motorassembly of claim 1, wherein the electric motor assembly is connected toa mechanical assembly for an appliance.
 14. The electric motor assemblyof claim 13, wherein the electric motor assembly is connected to amotorized oven latch.
 15. The electric motor assembly of claim 13,wherein the electric motor assembly is connected to a motorized gasvalve.
 16. The electric motor assembly of claim 13, wherein the electricmotor assembly is connected to a motorized flue damper.
 17. A method forinstalling an electric motor assembly within an appliance comprising: 1)providing an appliance; 2) providing an electric motor assemblycomprising: a motor module housed within a motor housing shell having afront cover, a cylindrical side wall and an open back side; a motorhousing baseplate attached to the open back side of the motor housingshell; a motor shaft which extends through the motor housing baseplateand which engages a cam; at least one microswitch module which ispositioned adjacent to the cam, wherein the cam engages the microswitchat a contact point upon rotation of the cam by the motor; microswitchterminals which extend from the microswitch module; and motor terminalswhich extend from the motor module through the motor housing shell;wherein the microswitch terminals are positioned adjacent to the motorterminals to provide a single power point connection for connectingsockets of a wiring harness; 3) providing a mechanical device inoperable association with the electric motor assembly, wherein themechanical device and the electric motor assembly are housed on achassis; 4) inserting the chassis containing component parts of themechanical device and the electrical motor assembly within theappliance; 5) connecting the mechanical device to the appliance byconnecting the chassis to the appliance and the component parts of themechanical device to the appliance; and 6) electrically connecting theelectric motor assembly to the appliance by connecting sockets of anappliance wiring harness to switch terminals and motor terminals withina microswitch-electric motor connector port through a single point powerconnection.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the mechanical device isone of an oven latch, a gas valve and a flue damper.
 19. An electricmotor assembly comprising: a synchronous gear motor housed within amotor housing shell having a front cover, a side wall and an open backside; a motor housing baseplate attached to the open back side of themotor housing shell; a motor shaft defining a center axis B of the motorshaft about which it is adapted to rotate, the motor shaft,operationally engaged to the synchronous gear motor, adapted to outputwork therefrom, and which extends through the motor housing baseplate; afirst cam located on and operationally engaged with the motor shaft; afirst microswitch module selectably closable by rotation of the firstcam; microswitch terminals which extend from the microswitch module;motor terminals which extend from the motor module through the motorhousing shell; wherein the microswitch terminals are positioned adjacentto the motor terminals to provide a single power point connectionadapted for operational engagement with an associated wiring harnesssocket.
 20. The electric motor assembly of claim 19, wherein theassembly further comprises, a first cam follower between the first camand the first microswitch module, a second cam located on andoperationally engaged with the motor shaft, a second microswitch moduleselectably closable by rotation of the second cam, and a second camfollower between the second cam and the second microswitch module; andwherein the first cam follower is adapted to be rotated into contactwith and close the first microswitch module in response to rotation ofthe first cam into a first orientation, the second cam follower isadapted to be rotated into contact with and close the second microswitchmodule in response to rotation of the second cam into a secondorientation, and the second orientation is 180 degrees from the firstorientation; wherein the assembly further comprises a latch mechanicalassembly having a connecting link pivot pin engaged with the first cam,parallel with and offset from the motor shaft and adapted to rotateabout the motor shaft with the first cam, an elongated connecting linkhaving, a first end located on and rotatably engaged with the connectinglink pivot pin, and a second end opposite the first end and having apivot axle engaged therewith, the pivot axle being adapted to linearlyreciprocate along an axis A as the connecting link pivot pin rotatesabout the motor shaft, and wherein axis A intersects the center axis Bof the motor shaft.